Catalysts Powering Educational Performance: For 25 years, the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) has been serving as a catalyst to significantly change underrepresented and underserved students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward the pursuit of education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. /eNewsChannels/ — NEWS: Catalysts Powering Educational Performance: For 25 years, the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) has been serving as a catalyst to significantly change underrepresented and underserved students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward the pursuit of education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In 1986, business executives partnered with innovative Connecticut educators to design a cutting-edge program designed to inspire and prepare African American and Hispanic students to pursue careers in STEM. Their vision was to build a non-traditional experience that could be replicated throughout the state. In 1988, CPEP was launched in one middle school serving 20 students. Due to the program’s demonstrated ability to attract, nurture and inspire underrepresented students, CPEP has grown to serve more than 1,500 students annually in 40 schools throughout 13 school districts in Connecticut.

To celebrate this milestone event, CPEP is hosting the Engineering Brighter Futures Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Omni New Haven at Yale. CPEP students, teachers, staff and supporters from its 25 year history will come together to reminisce, reflect and celebrate the organization’s significant accomplishments.

Over the past 25 years, CPEP has served more than 25,000 students many of whom have graduated high school and pursued STEM careers. These students are now serving in the workforce across Connecticut.

“Every person that has supported CPEP over the past 25 years has contributed to the successes and accomplishments we see today,” said CPEP CEO Bruce Dixon. “Many CPEP students credit the organization with giving them the will and drive to pursue educational opportunities and careers in STEM. This is ultimately why we do what we do, and we hope to continue to do it for another 25 years.”

Christopher Laird Simmons has been a creative artist, marketing specialist, working journalist and PR pro for more than 25 years (he started as a teenager). He founded Neotrope (formerly Mindset) in 1983, and has written widely for numerous national magazines, and is frequently interviewed by same. He is a member of the PRSA and ASCAP and resides in Torrance, California.